Puxico's Rodgers signs to play baseball at Crowley's Ridge College

PUXICO, Mo. - 2015 Puxico graduate Austin Rodgers will have the opportunity to continue his baseball career at the collegiate level next year.

Rodgers signed to play baseball at Crowley's Ridge College in Paragould, Arkansas, Wednesday.

"I love playing baseball," Rodgers said. "They gave me the opportunity to continue to play baseball. They are giving me a chance and I want to go play for them.

"It's a beautiful campus," Rodgers added. "It's really pretty there. It looks like they have a good team and I want to join them."

Rodgers batted .322 at Puxico his senior season.

"Austin is a great kid," Puxico coach Jonathan Simpher said. "He worked hard every day in practice and always wanted to improve. I am proud of the accomplishments he has made and look forward to seeing the accomplishments he will make going further."

Rodgers said baseball has been his best sport since he entered high school.

"I used to play basketball, but I stopped my freshman season to focus on baseball," Rodgers said.

Rodgers said his primary position in high school was second base, but he has also seen time at shortstop and played the position of catcher a time or two.

Rodgers said played the outfield and infield at a Crowley's Ridge College tryout.

"When I went down there to tryout I played outfield and then moved back to second base," Rodgers said.

Crowley's Ridge College competes in the National Christian College Athletic Association in men's basketball, baseball and soccer and in women's softball, volleyball and basketball. The baseball team competes in the central region of the NCCAA. It plays schools from Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Illinois, Texas and Arkansas.

Rodgers said he is currently undecided on a major.

"I want to thank everyone for supporting me and coming out to watch the games, and thank coach SImpher for putting up with me," Rodgers concluded.